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Schierholtz hoping to remain with Cubs

Schierholtz hoping to remain with Cubs

7/24/13: Nate Schierholtz crushes a three-run home run into the seats in right to open up a 6-0 lead for the Cubs in the fifth inning

By Carrie Muskat
/
MLB.com |

SAN FRANCISCO -- Fans in both Giants and Cubs jerseys were asking Nate Schierholtz for his autograph prior to Friday's game at AT&T Park. Many San Francisco fans remember his contributions to the Giants, whom he played his entire career with until last July 31 when he was traded to the Phillies for Hunter Pence.

"It was awesome playing here and being on a couple winning teams," Schierholtz said.

How long he will stay with the Cubs is something else. Teams looking for a left-handed-hitting outfielder who will deliver with runners on and can play solid defense are scouting Schierholtz.

"I haven't spent a second thinking about [being traded]," he said Friday. "Every year, you hear so many names thrown around. ... I can't control it. If you go a week worrying about it and you don't get traded, it's a lot of worry for nothing. I love it here, and I'd like to stay a Cub. Hopefully, I don't go anywhere."

He has set a career high in home runs and recorded his first five-RBI game Wednesday. It hasn't all been perfect as Schierholtz needed a cortisone shot in his shoulder at the All-Star break but said he's pain-free now.